ADVOCACY AWARENESS ACCESS
DISABLED RESOURCE SERVICES
424 Pine Street Suite 101
Fort Collins CO 80524-242 
(970) 482-2700 VOICE 
(970) 482-2723 TDD 


LOVELAND OFFICE 
640 East Eisenhower 
Loveland CO 80537-3954 
(970) 6670816 VOICE

June 25, 1998


Federal Communications Commission
Office of the Secretary, Room 222 
Washington, DC 20554 

Dear Commissioner: 
I am writing to you as a totally blind person and as a professional who
works for an independent living center. In my work, I advocate for people
with all types of disabilities. Therefore, I am interested in 
universal access for telecommunication services and products. Universal
access would enable people with all types of disabilities to access
telecommunication devices. This would result in greater independence in
their personal lives and professional lives. Independence is extremely
important to people with disabilities because it enhances self esteem and
promotes inclusion into society. 

It is important for me as a totally blind person to be able to access
telecommunication products and services which increases my independence
both at home and at work. I have been an Amateur Radio Operator for 37
years and have noticed that the equipment is becoming more complex. It is
apparent that no consideration has been given in the design of this
equipment for people with visual disabilities. As our population ages, the
need for accessible equipment will only increase. 

I believe that the United States currently has the technological know how
and ability to make telecommunication equipment universally accessible. In
order for a product to be accessible to me, knobs, buttons, and switches
must either be marked tactilely or with some type of audio output. Audio
output would benefit people who have limited vision or a learning disability
also. It is also important to have the manuals and other documentation
available in an alternative format such as Braille or on cassette tape. 

I commend the FCC for issuing proposed rules to implement section 255 of
the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and urge the FCC to adopt the
suggestions contained in these comments so that the needs of  people with
disabilities can be considered in the design, development, and fabrication of 
telecommunication products and services. 

Sincerely, 


Donald E. Maroney
Loveland Branch Manager 

Partially Funded by United Way and Larimer County Human Development
Department